African ace in the middle of 'war' between Italian clubs

If we ever believed this would all end without drama, we can now be certain: a new transfer soap opera is unfolding. Ademola Lookman has sparked a feud between two neighboring clubs, and things are starting to get uncomfortable.

What began as negotiations has now turned into a tense standoff between the two sides, with only a glimmer of hope that it could still end with a move to Giuseppe Meazza. Atalanta refused to bow to the ultimatum from Inter’s top brass to finalize the deal by the weekend. As a result, the Champions League runners-up had to back off and extend the "deadline" until the end of the weekend — and likely into next week — as they seem increasingly desperate to land the London-born Nigerian winger.

Lookman on exit doors, so La Dea looks for a man to replace him

To recap: Atalanta flat-out rejected the first offer and has yet to respond to the second, submitted three days ago, which includes 42 million euros fixed plus three million in bonuses. Talks have now stalled. Atalanta is still asking for five million more, despite earlier signs they might lower the asking price by two million euros. That concession now seems off the table — reportedly due to Inter’s conduct during negotiations. The biggest issue? Inter’s ultimatum, which clearly didn’t work. Atalanta is still setting the terms, and what truly irritated those in Bergamo was the pressure Inter has been applying to Lookman’s representatives. Inter is aggressively pushing the winger toward a move, but it’s proving harder than expected, especially now that relations between the two clubs — usually quite amicable — are deteriorating by the day.

Osimhen is not the only sought-after Nigerian: Serie A and La Liga greats lock horns over Lookman

We may get clarity — or even a resolution — by Monday or Tuesday, but a new twist has emerged: Atalanta’s fans have stepped in. Reportedly, they are deeply unhappy that a transfer is even being considered and are determined to stop it at all costs. They've already reached out to the club’s leadership, pointing out that Mateo Retegui has already been sold without a replacement brought in, and that losing Lookman too would severely weaken the squad. The message has been heard loud and clear by the Percassi family, who feel a sense of responsibility to the supporters. They now find themselves torn between making a profitable deal and avoiding backlash from fans who live and breathe the club.